Study finds mission trips encourage growth in faith

A contributed report

Each year hundreds of people participate in volunteer mission projects organized by the N.C. Baptist Men. They share the gospel, build homes, plant churches, teach vacation Bible school, and cook and clean for disaster victims in North Carolina and all over the world. They give their free time, their vacation, and their money to do the work of Christ in the world.

Why such a commitment? "You can change a life by going and participating," volunteer Jamie Warwick said. "Yours."

Honduran girls pose for a photo. Many N.C. Baptists have gone to their country as mission volunteers. The BSC has a missions partnerships with Honduras.

In a survey of 188 volunteer mission participants through the N.C. Baptist Men, volunteers explained how missions had changed their lives.

"What we ultimately found out is what we expected from the outset - missions participation encourages faith growth and life commitments," said Michael Nuckolls, Campbell University Divinity School student and manager of the project. "Volunteer mission experiences give people an expanded view of God, their relationship with Christ, their role in God's plan, their relationships with other people, and their outlook on life."

The most glaring effect participating in volunteer missions had on respondents was in the sharing of faith. Over 90 percent said they had a greater desire to share their faith. Almost as many said they were actively sharing their faith more. "I am always looking at people I don't know and wondering if they know Christ," Jerrylane Swisher said. "At one time I would not talk to strangers; now you can't get me to stop sometimes."

The vast majority of volunteers also reported increased time spent in prayer and Bible study. Twenty percent indicated that they have considered or enrolled in formal Bible, theological or ministry education as a result of their missions experiences.

Respondents gave more comments about their relationship to God and Christ than any other subject. Almost a quarter specifically said their relationship with God had grown deeper. Many mentioned God's desire to use those who are willing and/or their desire for God to use them. Others learned how to rely more on God and faith in their lives.

Over half of the respondents said they felt a calling to become more involved in lay missions locally, nationally and internationally. Many felt called to lay ministries in their churches, particularly toward teaching and committee service.

Participation in volunteer missions led almost 20 percent to feel called to career ministry. As with those called to lay ministries, the majority of these felt called toward missions related ministries.

Through their interaction with other people, cultures and life situations, volunteers became more aware and appreciative of both the differences and similarities in people. Almost a third mentioned becoming more aware of adverse conditions, such as poverty and oppression, in which many people live. Several mentioned an increased ability to see the needs of people around them every day.

Some said they had developed a growing appreciation for people from other cultures, backgrounds and races. "I am less judgmental and try to see the needs of others," reported one respondent.

What these volunteers seem to have discovered is an element of growth in faith and mercy that comes through being involved in the lives and needs of other people.

"I think that most people learn by doing. Most of us are experiential learners. Too many people think that the intellectual study comes first, then the practical application. When it comes to our faith, I think that the personal practical application comes first and the volunteer's faith grows because of the experience," said Richard Brunson, executive director of N.C. Baptist Men.

Participating in missions has given these volunteers what many called a life-changing experience - they appreciate their blessings more; they are more committed to their families; they are closer to other people; they focus less on material goods; and they have better attitudes about life.

As Billy Presley put it, "The most important thing is that it is not what happens to those you go to minister to, but what impact is made on the person going."

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